If you've been watching the Olympics, you've probably noticed the dark red circles many athletes are sporting on their backs and arms. Y'know, like this:
Image: Getty Images
Despite how it might look, that swimmer didn't suddenly decide to become a living tribute to pizza by tattooing pepperoni on her back.
No, those are the marks left behind from a practice called 'cupping.' It's actually been around for thousands of years; early references can be found as far back as 3000 B.C. It wasn't until recently that cupping came to the attention of us Westerners.
A number of studies have shown that cupping provides pain relief by increasing blood flow to damaged tissue. The blood brings with it nutrients, oxygen and – most importantly – vital energy that passes through the injured area.
This has even proven effective at relieving pain in cancer patients.
Is it any wonder Olympic athletes are so crazy for cupping?
Coach Brandi Ross has found success performing cupping on his patients for more than a year now. According to him, the practice treats almost any injury – including plantar fasciitis.
It works by inducing inflammation. I know, it sounds bad. But inflammation is actually your body's defense mechanism against injury. It occurs when your body sends a rush of blood cells and protein to the injured area in an effort to help it heal.
Image: Getty ImagesWhat Is It?
Cupping is pretty much what it sounds like. Cups – made from plastic or glass – are placed over skin for the purpose of expanding capillaries and increasing the flow of fluid in skin tissues. In some cases, small incisions are made to draw blood into the cup. Why would anyone want to do this? What does it accomplish? Great questions! Let's explore, shall we?5 Reasons To Try Cupping Therapy
#1 – Pain Relief
A number of studies have shown that cupping provides pain relief by increasing blood flow to damaged tissue. The blood brings with it nutrients, oxygen and – most importantly – vital energy that passes through the injured area.
This has even proven effective at relieving pain in cancer patients.
#2 – Relaxation
Let's face it. No matter how hard you try to relax, you're just not going to get there if your muscles are tight and sore. Enter cupping therapy! It works to loosen muscles like no other form of massage can – with negative pressure. And the benefits don't stop once your muscles are relaxed; no, my friend, they're only just beginning! You see, cupping works along the lines of your body's meridians. A trained expert will position the cups in a way that opens these meridians, allowing vital energy to flow through them. Through this, your entire body and mind can be cleared of blockages for totalrelaxation.#3 – Faster Healing
Is it any wonder Olympic athletes are so crazy for cupping?
Coach Brandi Ross has found success performing cupping on his patients for more than a year now. According to him, the practice treats almost any injury – including plantar fasciitis.
It works by inducing inflammation. I know, it sounds bad. But inflammation is actually your body's defense mechanism against injury. It occurs when your body sends a rush of blood cells and protein to the injured area in an effort to help it heal.
